The 13 Best Basquiat References In Rap

Features

By: Evan Schwartz/ August 12, 2013

August 12 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of influential artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The Haitian-American painter has become a much larger figure in the art world since his death in 1988. His mainstream popularity is in no small part due to his frequent name-checks from rappers in their lyrics. Jay-Z and Rick Ross have led this charge, dropping Basquiat’s name in multiple songs, but some other rappers have referenced the painter as well.

Click through for 13 of the best, with some bonus references to artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and even beloved TV painter Bob Ross.